Accounting

General Description

Accountancy is the study of theories, principles, and practices in the recording, analyzing, and communication of financial information. This discipline explores the flow of transactions in quantitative form and the role of reporting in the overall system for financial control in business, industry, and government. Accounting processes and information are frequently the foundation for decision making and business planning. Students can also enter the field through the certificate programs—Micro Technician Bookkeeper and Payroll Clerk. The ability to move upward in an organization requires continued education.

Career Options

Accounting careers fall into three categories: public accounting, corporate accounting, and not-for-profit/governmental accounting. Bookkeeping positions in any of these areas require an associate degree. Accounting positions, however, have a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree. To become a certified public accountant (CPA) you must have a minimum of 150 semester units of education, pass the uniform CPA exam, and 1 year of general accounting experience supervised by a licensed CPA. Most corporate and not-for-profit/governmental entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree, but advancement within the organization generally requires a graduate-level degree.